Letestu, Johnson continue to step up in prominent roles

The stars of the Penguins 5-2 win on Monday night against the Ottawa Senators were two familiar foes of late in forward Mark Letestu and goaltender Brent Johnson.

Both continue to shine and played prominent roles in the Penguins victory.

Letestu who leads all NHL rookies with 7 points, had a goal and assist in the win and scored a big 1st period goal for Pittsburgh, blistering a wrist shot just inside the blueline past goaltender Brian Elliott for a 1-0 lead. It was a momentum type of goal that jump started a three goal period for Pittsburgh.

Letestu is also consistently playing an all around game and he was 6-for-12 (50%) in the faceoff circle against Ottawa. However, his offensive ability especially in the goal scoring department continues to intrigue the coaching staff and after starting the game on the 4th line, Letestu was quickly elevated back to the 2nd line with Evgeni Malkin.

Letestu is producing at just about anywhere in the lineup and the coaching staff must now find a spot for him. Tonight, his move up the depth was at the expense of young forward Eric Tangradi who spent much of the game on the 4th line in a limited role.

With Arron Asham inching closer to full health, it is still believed that Tangradi will be the odd-man out on the roster as the Penguins remain committed to keeping Eric Godard on the team.

Meanwhile, Letestu is running away with his opportunity and is making a believer of head coach Dan Bylsma that this just isn't a hot streak and that Letestu belongs on this team.

"He's getting rewarded on the score sheet and he's getting opportunities to put up points, " Bylsma said."